Medical alert for parent living with you

Let’s say your elderly father lives with you in your home. Most of the time there’s someone home to look after him, either you or your spouse, or maybe even your teenage children. So if something happens, like a fall or a medical emergency, there’s almost always someone there to help out or to call 911.

But not always, and that’s when you worry. Let’s say you have to pop out to the store to buy something, and you can’t wait until your wife comes home from work. You won’t be gone long, but it would still be enough time for something to happen.

This is where having a medical alert system would be great. As you head out the door you could give your dad the alarm button and then go run your errands without worrying or rushing.

If you have a monitored system, then you have the confidence of knowing there are trained operators who can answer the call if there’s an urgent situation. They can summon an ambulance or just call you on your cell phone to alert you to the problem. This kind of service costs about a dollar a day. Probably less than you spend on coffee.

If you have a no-fee system, then you just set the first number dialed to be your cell phone. If your dad needs to press his emergency call button because he needs help but can’t get to the phone, then the call comes to you and you can quickly respond or call 911 yourself if it’s a life-threatening emergency.

A medical alert system isn’t an “all or nothing” tool. Depending on your situation you don’t have to wear it 24/7. And instead of relying on it as a full time lifesaver, you can just use it when it’s most needed.